Wheelchair Description

Manual or standard wheelchairs are propelled by the person in the wheelchair. These chairs are characterized by having 2 small wheels in the front of the chair and 2 larger size wheel in the rear. These chairs are not not lightweight or maneuverable. The individual must have enough upper body strength to push forward the two large rear wheels with handrails along the outside of the wheel. The wheelchairs’ direction is determined by positioning the wheels in different configurations. Manual wheelchairs can be customized to be controlled with one arm, by pumping a lever, or by your feet Wheelchairs are:

equipped with 2 small wheels and 2 large wheels (20″-26″ in average diameter)

propelled by the occupant (usually by turning the handrims made of circular tubing attached to the outside of large rear wheels)

can be equipped with elevated leg lifts

heavy (40 lbs and up) and can be difficult to carry with a patient who is flying or raveling

Wheelie are not just for showing off, a rider who can control the chair in this manner can climb and descend curbs and move over small obstacles.

Standard wheelchairs can up to 60 lbs, there are light weight wheelchairs that can weigh as little as 45 lbs (and can weigh less than that for a considerable amount of money). They can be difficult to maneuver and don’t store easily in a car unless it is disable friendly. Because of the aforementioned reasons BMS does not usually recommend standard wheelchairs for elderly clients.

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Transport or Transfer Chair Description

These chairs are often used as ‘transfer chairs’ to move a patient when a better alternative is unavailable, as a temporary option, or in areas where a user’s standard chair is unavailable. A "transfer or transport chair" is technically a manual wheelchair designed to be pushed by someone else other than the person in the transfer chair. These chairs are commonly seen in airports and hospitals. Transport Chairs:

are designed to be propelled by another person using the handles

can be equipped with elevated leg lifts

have 4 small wheel instead the large and 2 small wheels of a wheelchair

are considerably lighter (12 to 25 lbs) and easier to carry and transport with the patient.

Transfer chairs can weigh as little as 12 lbs and as much as 45 lbs depending upon the type of material used for the frame and the cloth for the chair. Nowadays some frames weigh under five pounds. They easy to maneuver and store easily in most environments. BMS recommend transfer chairs for elderly clients routinely.

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Bariatric Wheelchair and Transport Chairs

Bariatric manual or standard wheelchairs are are designed to accommodate person weight over 300 lbs. These specialized chairs have all of the features that come with standard chairs but are reinforced in all the right places to ensure the safety of a heavier individual.

are proportionately heavier than a standard wheelchair or transport chair

have wider and deeper seats than a standard wheelchair or transport chair

can be equipped with elevated leg lifts

can be difficult to carry with a patient who is flying or travelling

Bariatric wheelchairs can weigh up to 80 lbs, there are light weight wheelchairs that can weigh as little as 45 lbs. They can be difficult to maneuver and don’t store easily in a car unless it is disable friendly. Because of the aforementioned reasons BMS does not usually recommend standard wheelchairs for elderly clients.

Click this link to BUY a Bariatric Wheelchair
Click this link to RENT a Bariatric Wheelchair

Bradford Medical Supply Wheelchair and Transport Chairs Rental & Sales Criteria

Bradford Medical Supply has developed criteria and accumulated experience recommending the correct wheelchair for your needs. Wheelchairs come in all shapes and sizes, can be customized for specific purposes and applications and allows an individual to move themselves or be pushed by another person. A transport or transfer chair must be pushed by another person. Because of the aforementioned reasons BMS does not usually recommend standard wheelchairs for elderly clients. Over time I have developed criteria when to recommend either of the two units. BMS rents and sell the following types of wheelchairs:

Standard or manual wheelchairs are recommended for a person that:

Wants to get around by themselves

Has a caregiver that is able to lift and/or store the wheelchair for the that person.

They can be difficult to maneuver and don’t store easily in a car unless it is disability friendly.

A transport chair is the recommended choice for a person:

Who is unable to get around by themselves by propelling handrails on a standard wheelchair

Has a caregiver that is able to push the transfer chair.

Has a caregiver that is able to lift and/or store the wheelchair for the that person.

Wheelchair and Transfer Chair Manufacturers

Nova Ortho

Everest Jennings

Invacare